Striking neighborly balance may be key to future outdoor venues
As downtown continues to evolve into a mix that includes an influx of housing, debates are popping up on whether outdoor bars and restaurants are a good addition to the urban core revival.
The latest debate surrounds the former Foodies diner at 1220 N Hudson, vacant for the past two years, but now being eyed by veteran restaurateur Joe Jungmann as the home for a restaurant and bar with outdoor seating for up to 230 people.
Jungmann, who also owns Sauced and the Paseo Grill in the Paseo Arts District, secured a long-term lease for the vintage Valentine-style diner earlier this year. His plans call for extensive repairs to the diner, removing the old rooftop equipment, and building an extensive patio on the adjoining parking lot he envisions as a “park” for the neighborhood.
“We looked at this venue on how to be great,” Jungmann said. “Once we looked at the area, we were excited to get the lease. It’s an incredible place.”
Jungmann’s plans call for an extensively landscaped patio surrounded by shipping containers resurfaced to match the diner. Another shipping container would be attached to the rear of the building to provide new restrooms.
“We’re trying to create interest in the downtown area and have a place for people to walk and not get out and drive,” Jungmann said. “This is definitely a variety. Some may not agree in adding this type of use here, but is there a place in this area you can walk, get something to eat and hang out?”
Well, yeah, there is Bleu Garten, an outdoor bar and food truck plaza a couple blocks away at NW 10 and Hudson. But that is a temporary use for a property that is ultimately set for a bigger development.
So Jungmann may indeed be filling a demand that won’t be filled long term.
And with careful soundproofing and rules set by Midtown Renaissance, which owns several nearby apartment buildings, I am not aware of any major issues with noise at Bleu Garten.
But in this case, Hudson Avenue is a mix of different property owners and is even closer to the historic Heritage Hills neighborhood.
And that’s where the rub is with the proposed Jungmann operation. And similar dynamics may soon come to play with at least a couple of similar projects in and around downtown. Jungmann is promising to shut down no later than midnight.
But neighbors are wondering, is it all too much of a potential attraction? Some spoke out against the project as it was deliberated by the Downtown Design Review Committee, which is tasked with judging designs — but not proposed operations or hours.
That did not stop the committee from discussing such issues.
“We have concerns about the amount of food that will be served to the alcohol ratio,” said Marva Ellard, who owns the Sieber Hotel apartments across the street.
“There is a lot of interest in the neighborhood for a restaurant with a patio. But a patio that seats 230 people seems a little extreme. Louie’s nearby seats 50,” Ellard said.
Nancy Nichols, who lives in nearby Heritage Hills, acknowledged she and her neighbors enjoy walking to new restaurants, shops and establishments.
“We are mainly concerned about the noise in this type of establishment,” Nichols said. “We understand traffic and noise will be a part of development, and it’s a balance. We are concerned about noise for an establishment that will serve food and alcohol and be open late hours.”
The ultimate outcome of Jungmann’s application won’t be known for another month, as it did lack the sort of details usually provided in regard to the landscaping and even the patio pergola.
But the debate won’t change. One establishment in nearby Uptown has upset some neighbors with late night Karaoke that while legal, is not something that helps the cause of such outdoor venues.
In all likelihood, such venues will continue to open and multiply, an inevitable part of a walkable urban core becoming reality. But such venue operators beware — neighbors are watching, listening and communicating with their council members. What’s legal can change if a balance is not struck.